Iris

The genus Iris contains over 250 species that are distributed almost throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Places of natural growth of iris are also various temperate and subtropical regions of Europe. Herbaceous rhizomatous plants. Leaves are broad or linear narrow; xiphoid, straight or curved, mostly basal; veins are located parallel to each other. The surface of the leaves in some species is glossy, in others - matte; they are colored from gray-green to dark green. Flowers are solitary or collected in loose inflorescences; out of 6 perianth lobes, 3 outer ones are omitted down, and the 3 inner ones are curved up; the most diverse colors. Iris is a symbol of the city of Firenze.

The genus Iris contains over 250 species that are distributed almost throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Places of natural growth of iris are also various temperate and subtropical regions of Europe. Herbaceous rhizomatous plants. Leaves are broad or linear narrow; xiphoid, straight or curved, mostly basal; veins are located parallel to each other. The surface of the leaves in some species is glossy, in others - matte; they are colored from gray-green to dark green. Flowers are solitary or collected in loose inflorescences; out of 6 perianth lobes, 3 outer ones are omitted down, and the 3 inner ones are curved up; the most diverse colors. Iris is a symbol of the city of Firenze.

Cultivation

Irises are open ground plants and require different care and attention depending on the species, but their cultivation is never overly complex. Before choosing a plant, carefully study the soil intended for planting irises. Species such as Kaempfer's iris, or Japanese iris (Iris kaempferi) and yellow iris, or airberry iris (Iris pseudoacorus), grow well in moist soil. The time and depth of planting, location, humidity and watering can be very different, depending on the species, and even on the variety. Feed irises in moderation, especially with nitrogen fertilizers. It is usually enough to apply top dressing (on the soil surface) in the spring and after flowering, in a dose of 20 g of complex fertilizer per 1m2. Iris germanica prefers neutral, well-drained soil, but is generally undemanding to soil conditions. It is planted in June-early July to a depth of 5-8 cm. Numerous varieties of German iris have the most diverse color of flowers, there are varieties even with fringed edges. Rhizomes of smooth iris (Iris levigata) and air-shaped iris (Iris pseudoacorus) are sometimes planted directly in water in March-April (suitable for planting in wet places). Therefore, before you start breeding them, it does not hurt to consult with a specialist about the most suitable choice of species for the existing environmental conditions. Rhizomes of irises are rarely dug to form a lump. Remove plants from the ground only for reproduction, planting in a permanent place and with excessive growth of the rhizome. It is advisable to transplant when the leaves of the plant begin to turn yellow and wither.

Irises are open ground plants and require different care and attention depending on the species, but their cultivation is never overly complex. Before choosing a plant, carefully study the soil intended for planting irises. Species such as Kaempfer's iris, or Japanese iris (Iris kaempferi) and yellow iris, or airberry iris (Iris pseudoacorus), grow well in moist soil. The time and depth of planting, location, humidity and watering can be very different, depending on the species, and even on the variety.

Feed irises in moderation, especially with nitrogen fertilizers. It is usually enough to apply top dressing (on the soil surface) in the spring and after flowering, in a dose of 20 g of complex fertilizer per 1m2.

Iris germanica prefers neutral, well-drained soil, but is generally undemanding to soil conditions. It is planted in June-early July to a depth of 5-8 cm. Numerous varieties of German iris have the most diverse color of flowers, there are varieties even with fringed edges.

Rhizomes of smooth iris (Iris levigata) and air-shaped iris (Iris pseudoacorus) are sometimes planted directly in water in March-April (suitable for planting in wet places). Therefore, before you start breeding them, it does not hurt to consult with a specialist about the most suitable choice of species for the existing environmental conditions.

Rhizomes of irises are rarely dug to form a lump. Remove plants from the ground only for reproduction, planting in a permanent place and with excessive growth of the rhizome. It is advisable to transplant when the leaves of the plant begin to turn yellow and wither.

Location

Many irises - Iris germanica, Iris flavescens, Iris chamaeris and Iris douglasiana-prefer a sunny place, well protected from the wind, which negatively affects the flowering of these plants. In hot climates, a slightly shaded area is ideal for them. However, many species, in particular Iris kaempferi, prefer a semi-shaded landing site.

Temperature

Most irises are frost-resistant. The most common species, in particular Iris germanica, Iris sibirica, tolerate winter well, even relatively cold, up to -10 °C and below, and optimally develop at a temperature of 15-25 °C. Other species, such as Iris japonica, do not tolerate a drop in temperature below -10 °C.

Watering

Sun-loving species like moderate watering (in April-May-1 time a week), and the soil for them should be well drained. In addition to the fact that excess water causes them to over-develop the aboveground part, it provokes rotting of the rhizome and interferes with good development. But "water" species, on the contrary, like constant high humidity.

Reproduction

Irises are usually propagated by dividing the rhizomes. The operation is performed, depending on the species, in autumn or spring, separating large clumps with a sharp knife and disinfecting them with a fungicide (for example, tiram). Some species, such as Kaempfer's iris, can also be propagated by seed, but it is better to do this in the spring. Sow in containers in early autumn, after which the plants are planted in a permanent place. However, seed propagation is not recommended, as you will have to wait about 3 years for the appearance of flowers.

Diseases

Irises damage nematodes that cause rotting of rhizomes, which delays plant growth and leads to deformity of organs. Rhizome damage by Lepidopteran larvae (Pyrrhia umbra) is not uncommon. These pests are eliminated with commercially available insecticides. Snails eat leaves, stems and flowers; special baits are used against them. Sometimes yellowing spots and stripes appear on the leaves, which later turn black, these are manifestations of mosaic.

Acquisition

Split iris rhizomes for planting can be purchased at horticultural centers, and can also be ordered by mail. When choosing types and varieties, it is advisable to understand where and how you will use them: in a stony garden, borders, in dry or wet soil, in a pot, as flowers for cutting, and so on.